Thanks for the feedback.  All view points expressed were invaluable.  It got me thinking though and wondering if it's acceptable when posting one's resume to any job search site online if maybe I should leave out my residence details?  Only list my city and state on my resume?  I would still include my name, e-mail address and cell number of course.  I guess I'm thinking of how to minimize my personal details exposure on job search sites and profiles and still be viewable by potential employers.  Typically what I do is locate a job I'm interested in, research it and apply and attach my resume right then and there, as opposed to having a job search profile, etc.  Unless it's the employer's website where I'm able to set up a profile, I try to be cautious.

I agree that larger job search sites like careerbuilder.com and monster.com look more like advertisement sites or spammers. Actual jobs posted for my field are not listed in the dozens like they were a year or two ago.  I am also noticing the smaller job search sites are listing job openings in my field. I just have to find out who the smaller job search sites are.  That's how I came across resumark.com when doing my searching.  I don't know if omitting my address details will be a good safety precaution online but maybe it would make it more difficult for dubious operations?

And, cold calling is good and well, except, I have received feedback from employers that they are using the job online posting application sites because they are receiving a high volume of applicants and simply can't handle being overwhelmed.  Unless one lives in a small town, cold calling doesn't always work to one's advantage.  Maybe with smaller companies but they are posting few jobs.  I was told that it shows an employer that applicants can follow instructions when they post online and go through the process they've requested.  I'm hearing that employers are getting annoyed with the volume of people calling, showing up or following up on jobs they've applied for.  For myself, I have decided to go with sending a traditional thank you note if I am interviewed.  It's getting tense out there. 

robep987,

Thank you for your reasoned reply - I'm accustomed to opinion unsupported by information.  I welcome the chance to talk with an official of Resumark and learn more about the effectiveness of their approach in supporting successful job searches.  I stand by my observation that the ownership and leadership of an online enterprise should not be withheld.

Still, if the objective is to get a good job, this "innovative" model does nothing apparent to advance the proven effectiveness of "targeted job searches."  I'm all for innovation as long as it's useful innovation.  Time will tell if the Resumark model improves the likelihood that people will secure preferred jobs.  Thank you.

Bob Skladany

I still think there is no substitute for "cold calling" an employer locally or long distance,  explaining your skills and any ideas you have to help with the organization's success.  Barbara B. Hildner, author, "Thinking About Retirement? Think Again: Goal Exploration and Employment Strategies for MIdlife and Beyond".

Bob, I would respectfully disagree. I think the recruiting industry is changing with the economy and the big “traditional” players like monster.com and careerbuilder.com are becoming obsolete dinosaurs. 

I’ve also had some experience with Resumark.com and I must say it’s been positive so far (I hope it stays that way).   Their model is unique – no questions about it. From what I understand the idea is not really that you make tons of money off of your resume but that a) you get privacy protected (only paying employers can see contact info); and b) you actually get “royalties” paid to you which seems fair and justified – after all this is your resume.

I've reviewed the Resumark.com website.  Their business model is to pay the job seeker each time a potential employer accesses the resume they've posted at Resumark.  It appears to be a legitimate business but it's not one I would recommend. 

To begin, I couldn't identify the owner or senior management of Resumark - always a bad sign.  Second, the job seeker has no control of who accesses their resume or makes use of the information - another bad sign.  Most importantly, the purpose of posting your resume is to secure a good job - not make $1 per view of your rsume.

In today's competitive labor market, the successful job seeker will target their applications to specific employers they have researched and who have jobs matching the seeker's qualifications.  Mass resume distribution or the fee-for -posting-your-resume model is a waste of energy at best and a way to loose control of personal information at worst - I don't see them as part of a serious job search.

Bob Skladany